2007 Nissan Altima
by Jim Prueter -05/2007

Altima gets a makeover

For 2007 Nissan has redesigned the Altima, its popular midsize sedan that competes with Camry, Accord and the new Saturn Aura. Nissan calls the redo evolutionary rather than revolutionary. After all, it’s best not to tinker around too much with success. The previous-generation Altima has became one of the top five selling cars in the U.S.

The new Altima maintains its familiar shape and, most importantly, its taillights, which are even larger than on the previous model. Nissan claims the tail lamps were one of the major reasons many customers purchased the vehicle. Pretty amazing.

Past the taillamps, the most noticeable exterior changes are the wider rear hips and rounded backside that distinguish it from the ’06. Front design inspiration is borrowed from the Murano.

Somewhat surprising is that the new Altima is smaller — some 2 1/2 inches shorter overall with a one-inch shorter wheelbase. Most drivers will be none the wiser. 

But the biggest changes are inside, where the previous Altima was widely criticized for its generous use of hard plastics, poor fit and finish and too many surface textures. Nissan seems to have paid attention, replacing plastic with soft-touch materials. There’s still a flip-up plastic lid that covers a storage area where the center console meets the center stack of the dash, but it feels substantial —unlike the flimsy lid on the Nissan Z.

All Altimas come with standard push-button ignition and push-button entry into the vehicle. Just have the key in your pocket or purse when you walk up to the car. It’s a nice idea to keep you from searching for a key in a crowded purse. Not such a good idea if you have the key in your pocket when your spouse drops you off at the airport.

Front seat room is as generous as any sedan we’ve tested and I really liked the comfort of the driver’s seat. The rear seat accommodates three, but is best left for two. Trunk space is listed as 15.6 cubic feet.

The 2007 Altima lineup consists of six models. Three are powered by a new 2.5-liter 175-horsepower four-cylinder engine, and two by a 3.5-liter 270-horsepower V-6. A hybrid model starts at $24,400 and later this month a coupe will be introduced as a 2008.

Two transmissions are available: an automatic continuously variable transmission (CVT) and a six-speed manual.

I tested the 3.5 SE, the sportiest of models, which uses the six-speed manual shifter and sports 17-inch wheels. I’ve never been impressed with CVTs because the “shiftless” nature of this technology feels to me like driving a vehicle with a clutch that continually slips.

But I’ve heard rave reviews from other journalists who say Nissan’s new CVT is actually fun to drive, is more responsive and is finally ready for prime time. Because the six-speed manual shifter only saves $500, we recommend skipping it and going with the CVT. Besides, you’ll get more than that at trade-in time.

The 270 horsepower V-6 in our SE tester was silky smooth and delightful to drive, especially since the torque steer that has plagued front-wheel drive Nissan products is completely gone. Nissan credits the all-new “D” platform, with its lower mounted engine, upgraded and improved suspension geometry, and improved steering response and handling.

But as impressed as I was with the performance, I was equally unimpressed with the car’s ride quality, which seemed overly firm and harsh even on smooth pavement. Handling and braking, however, are outstanding for this family hauler.

Standard safety gear includes dual front- and side-impact airbags, roof-mounted curtain airbags, child safety rear door locks, LATCH child seat anchors, front-seat active head restraints, anti-lock braking system and traction control. Stability control is extra, and I’m disappointed that traction and stability control aren’t offered on the base model.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration gives Altima five stars for driver and front passenger in front crash tests, and five stars for the front seat and four for the rear seat in side crash tests. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety awards Altima its highest “good” in front crash tests.

With a new interior and improved performance, there’s much to like about the new Altima. The new style looks good and it’s impressive with regard to safety. It’s better from top to bottom, bumper to bumper. But Altima seems expensive. Our tester with a manual shifter listed at over $30,000, not including a navigation or entertainment system. That’s near-luxury price and within a couple thousand of the impressive Infiniti G35 sedan. As good as the new Altima is, it isn’t worth thirty grand.